5 years on, civil hospital in Thural still a half-built hope

The 100-bedded civil hospital at Thural, envisioned as a lifeline for residents of the Changer area, remains incomplete even after five years of construction. Initiated in 2020 under the BJP government, the project was meant to drastically reduce travel time for patients, especially during emergencies, by sparing them the 30-40 km journey to the Palampur Civil Hospital.

The state government had initially sanctioned Rs 4.62 crore for the four-storey building, granting technical approval for the same amount. The construction was expected to be completed within 18 months. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur laid the foundation stone, promising modern healthcare facilities including ultrasound and CT scan machines, a state-of-the-art laboratory and indoor accommodation for 100 patients. Posts for 12 doctors were sanctioned, with a few already joining in anticipation of the hospital’s opening.

However, with the change in government in 2022, progress stalled. According to Sulaha MLA Vipin Singh Parmar, the new Congress-led government stopped releasing funds, leaving the Public Works Department (PWD) unable to pay contractors. “During the BJP’s tenure, funds were released generously. This project was meant to bring relief to the public, but it now hangs in uncertainty,” Parmar said.

Official sources confirmed that the PWD submitted a detailed project report for administrative approval of the remaining works, but no financial allocation has been made in the past year. As a result, the contractor slowed down construction and eventually left the site inactive.

Residents of the Changer area express deep disappointment. “We were happy that we wouldn’t have to rush to Palampur for even minor ailments. It would have saved precious time in emergencies,” said a local villager. Many claim they have repeatedly approached local Congress leaders for answers, but no one seems to have clarity on the project’s future.

For now, the half-built hospital stands as a symbol of political change and stalled promises. With medical emergencies still forcing long, risky journeys, locals are left hoping that the project will one day be revived — turning a concrete shell into the healthcare centre they were promised.